Roar Pro
Joined June 2017
13.9k
Views
18
Published
57
Comments
NZ based. 44 years old, started reading the League Week when I was 8. Loved how that magazine presented the game.
Published
Comments
Much has already been made about the bungling Blues of 2023, but just when you thought it couldn't get any more bizarre, well, it…
Brad Fittler only coaches three games a year, but finds himself in a massive slump. Facing his third series loss in four attempts the…
The 2022 Rugby League World Cup shapes as the most unpredictable and competitive tournament yet. Before now it has been extremely predictable with Australia…
Benjamin Quentin Marshall could join other champion players Royce Simmons, Mal Meninga, Steve Menzies, Shane Webcke and most recently Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith,…
The numbers the Warriors were able to post in their impressive Round 12 victory over the Wests Tigers would take a team very close…
The Warriors, who have so boldly made the NRL playoffs for the first time since 2011, have reportedly not-so-boldly offered Kiwis Test star Issac…
From being nominated to leave the competition at various times since 1995, Stephen Kearney now seems to have the Auckland-based Warriors on the road…
Hardworking former Tongan international Agnatius Paasi could be rewarded for his solid NRL form with inclusion in the Kiwis squad to travel to Denver…
Although only 31 years old, Kiwi legend Simon Mannering's international career is nearing the end. After 44 Tests since debuting in 2006, Mannering approached…
Wayne Bennett has always been a forward thinker, a career coach who has prided himself on his man management skills for over 40 years…
In the next seven rounds the ever-improving Warriors face a formidable playing schedule. Starting with a two-match trip to Australia, Stephen Kearney's side travels…
This Auckland-based club is at a distinct crossroads. They have been starved for success despite showing such strong signs not that long ago. This…
Former player now TV commentator Monty Betham made a statement during last night's epic quarter-final clash in Wellington that summed up exactly the current…
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney revealed he was tempted to drop more players but conceded there were no better options to choose from the club's…
The real difference between Queensland and New South Wales in the State of Origin decider stood at 6 foot 1, 92kg, celebrated his 34th…
Des Hasler is so far away from seeing out his coaching contract with the battling Bulldogs. The once proud club is set to miss…
Cameron Munster looks set to be named at centre for Queensland despite his club coach Craig Bellamy backing him for the five-eighth position. With…
Known as a controversial coach in his time in the NRL, 63-year-old Smith is being sought to give much needed technical assistance to the…
Forty Twenty, yes it is a critical article/opinion piece.
NSW way out of touch as whitewash beckons
Same game. Next game it’s back to a new 80mins, whitewashes are rare as are large scoring comebacks in Origin since 1980.
NSW way out of touch as whitewash beckons
The context was the margin was approximately four converted tries between the sides, this is not “not far away.”
As described, nothing was mentioned of Fittler’s desire or non-desire to chase those points. I’m not sure how many Origins you have watched out of the 120+ matches but I think historically, chasing down four converted tries at Origin level, as stated is a very very rare occurrence. Most readers would see how this writer presented Fittler’s analogy and some, mostly informed followers of the game know all too well to be behind 26 points is almost impossible to chase down at the highest level of rugby league that Origin is. Not impossible but that’s only my opinion, but the margin of Game 2 was certainly not “not far away.”
NSW way out of touch as whitewash beckons
Informed opinions are always healthy.
Is Brad Fittler the reason for New South Wales' Blues?
Talakai a good case in point ????
Is Brad Fittler the reason for New South Wales' Blues?
Very good read Mike, two ‘references’ Sheens has used that disappoint me adding to your piece, was firstly pre-Xmas stating Brooks is our half back and doesn’t deserve the criticism. This came off as ignorant, also a much more defiant statement within the past fortnight that Adam is the tigers best fullback in the club. If Sheens is not a fan of Dane Laurie, he doesn’t have to say as much after making this moronic statement. Laurie was one of the tigers best last year, and could have benefitted greatly by this new ‘coaching super-group.’
He’s on the outer. As is there other best performing and longest serving playing David Nofoaluma. Does look like this is year 1 of at least a five year plan, this current squad would be bottom of the table in any Reserve grade competition in the 90s, 2000s etc. But I wish them well and hope they can improve.
ANALYSIS: The Tigers are a rabble, Doueihi is not a fullback and the Broncos are a serious threat
Well you took us on a journey there. 100% agree, good read!
Ian Foster is an ethical, likeable guy but his indecision casts a shadow on the darkness
It’s ok, Foster is “not panicking, I don’t know what anyone else is doing”
No humility, no idea.
All Blacks squad for Springboks series suggests Foster is about to make the same mistakes all over again
Has the Ruck speed average for both sides been made available anywhere?
Origin boilover: Fittler fuming over slow ruck as Slater inspires Maroons to upset over shellshocked Blues
He has also become a lot more humble and has evolved as a player. Looks a lot fitter the past few seasons than he was during his Broncos days also. Great fit for Bennett and the Bunnies and off the bench will continue to be a great foil for Mitchell and Walker.
Benji Marshall may join NRL greats in rare feat
He’s had his ups and downs that’s for sure, and has experienced plenty. Has won big games has starred in big games.. Souths look certainties for a top 4 spot and from there anything can happen. If they were to make the GF I’m sure Wayne wouldn’t do what Tim Sheens done to Kevin Walters for Canberra in 1989 and leave him on the sideline itching to get on !!! Thanks Paul appreciate your comment.
Benji Marshall may join NRL greats in rare feat
I can’t agree but wish you and the Knights well. Something not quite right with the balance of the squad and despite top 8 success last year, the coach does seem a little unpredictably volatile! I’m going to predict 10 or 11 wins, which won’t be enough to see semi-final action this season.
Are the Newcastle Knights a top-four side? Damn right!
Will be very interesting if Papalii and Munster are unavailable. If they can play (and there are no other injuries) I reckon this series (just like every other) is going to be a bit closer than most believe.
Is this the worst Queensland Maroons team in history?
Our opinion is it’s good that he did. Their are similarities to when Andrew McFadden took over the team. That produced mediocre results. No doubting Payten has shown potential but the club is crying out for an experienced NRL coach (and more Australian players). Having cast aside Toovey, if Green turns down the expected offer, it could be Griffin for 1 year and maybe Bennett in 2022. Bennett said he has no interest for 2021, fair enough but he will have more than $1 million reasons to shift to Auckland after that..
Warriors find winning recipe
100% the roster needs to be ripped to shreds but their is a base of personnel that gives some optimism for next season. BUT at least three if not more quality signings are required. The Warriors are meant to have the best recruitment agent in the game !!! Where is he!!
Warriors find winning recipe
Same scenario all clubs face! Cheers Peeeko
Kearney has the Warriors heading in the right direction
Well detailed Albo, 100% agree.
Kearney has the Warriors heading in the right direction
Poor % so far, but he’s less than 100 games in (and head coach of two very challenging clubs on his CV). Easy to be critical of him before this season at NRL level, but he seems to be in a great spot now, he has made significant changes on and off the field at the Warriors and they are performing better as a result. With the natural addition of new signings they are certainly on the up. Great achievement to make the 8 this season but they should be challenging closer to the top of the competition from next year onwards. As they say, they just have to close the gap between their best performance and their worst. Cheers FT
Kearney has the Warriors heading in the right direction
Mannering is leaning towards retiring from all Rugby League at the end of this season.
Maguire must move on from Mannering
The author knows the many minutes and heavy defensive workload that Mannering has had for more than a decade has caught up with him. In a case by case basis yes 31 is not too old to continue. ‘Mannering’s international career is nearing the end’ that’s what I stated. It has to be mentioned because Maguire is set to overlook him, despite the KIWI great being available. The article wasn’t stating Mannering is too old.
Maguire must move on from Mannering
Rory I’m NZ based. Maguire is between countries and has stated he intends to look after the grassroots of NZRL but is also open to an NRL coaching gig ‘when the right opportunity arises’. What that does to his KIWIS position who knows.
Maguire must move on from Mannering
Title should read “Maguire to move on from Mannering.”
Maguire must move on from Mannering
Tough competition for 26 rounds Jacko. It was more designed to point out probably more to NZ Warriors fans the toughness of the competition. In NZ a lot of people don’t understand just how much of a high level of Rugby League the Premiership is. But thanks for your comment.
A big couple of months for resurgent Warriors
Agreed Abbot! What form Drinkwater has been in though! Outstanding. But Surely with Leniu not in the 17 he would have been the nominated player for the HIA replacement etc. It sure is another baffling call no doubt. Good luck Blues fans, all the best to Qld fans, what a game we are in for!
NSW way out of touch as whitewash beckons